January 2025

Happy New Year from IT

UBC IT Okanagan would like to wish you all the best in the coming year.

Please reach out to your Client Service Manager with any questions or ideas on how our IT teams can support you and your teams' goals for 2025.

Need some ideas? Take a moment to see what we accomplished in 2024.

Share Wireless in Meetings

You can now present/share content wirelessly in UBCO meeting rooms using AirPlay for Mac computers, iPhone/iPads or Miracast for Windows devices.

This removes the need for an HDMI cable and allows you to wirelessly share to the in-room display or within a video call. LEARN MORE...

Privacy Matters - January

AI and quantum computing offer immense potential, but also significant risks. To safeguard UBC's data, we must prioritize security in all our operations, including remote work and project management. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, we can protect our digital assets and future-proof UBC. LEARN MORE...

New Device? Update MFA

Don't forget to UPDATE your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) BEFORE disposing of your old phone or tablet. If your UBC MFA is still linked to your old phone, you won't receive the verification code.  LEARN MORE...

UBC AI Guidance

Curious how AI can be used at UBC? While Generative AI has the potential to transform the way we teach, learn, and work we must carefully consider issues such as data privacy, bias, and the potential impact on education. UBC has resources to support faculty, staff and students in responsible generative AI use. LEARN MORE...

AI in the News...

15 Times to use AI, and 5 Not to

Professor Ethan Mollick from the Wharton School of Business shares an article subtitled: Notes on the Practical Wisdom of AI Use. His list is based on science as well as his own personal experience. Read the full article...

Tech for Hybrid Learning

Hybrid learning, sometimes called blended learning, is defined by UBC as “the course activity has a mixture of mandatory in-person and online activities as designed by the instructor”. Read about Graeme Webb’s experience teaching two Hybrid sections of Engineering Communication, a first-year course. Learn about the learning technology used and how to approach a hybrid delivery course as an instructor.    

Dell New Year Deals

Dell is excited to kick things off with tech deals to help you gear up for what's next during Dell’s New Year Tech Refresh. UBC employees can claim an extra exclusive discount with the Member Purchase Program coupon and then shop online using the link in the coupon email. 

Get IT News in MS Teams

Join the UBCO IT Engagement MS Team to get the most up to date news, advice and support for all things related to technology at UBCO. We share upcoming training, notifications of outages, details on known issues that may disrupt your work and more. To join CLICK here

Upcoming Maintenance

Please visit the Status Page for the most up-to-date information on planned upgrades and outages at UBC IT Status Page

Upcoming Events

  • M365 Training: Productivity Tips for Outlook, Teams, OneDrive and more!
    Various dates & times

    • Learn about Microsoft 365’s new features for Outlook (Exchange Online) Teams, OneDrive and more. Learn tips and tricks to enhance your collaboration and productivity.
      REGISTER

  • Data Privacy Week 2025
    | January 28 - February 1, 2025 | Various days and times

    • Privacy Matters @ UBC is excited to host Data Privacy Week 2025, a series of informative and insightful sessions focusing on privacy and information security. From January 28 to 30, 2025, faculty and staff are invited to engage in discussions aimed at raising awareness about crucial privacy issues affecting our community.
      REGISTER

  • Cybersecurity Monthly Phishing Workshop
    | February 12 | 11:00-11:30 PST

    • Join the monthly 30-minute Phishing Workshop series hosted by the UBC Cybersecurity team. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to delve into real phishing campaigns that have targeted our university community since the previous session.
      REGISTER

  • Generative AI in Teaching and Learning Series

    • This year, AI has emerged as a significant tool in education, and faculty at UBC are grappling with its integration in the classroom. The UBC Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) has introduced a new educational series, GenAI in Teaching and Learning. This series aims to help educators transition from concerns to understanding to seeing the opportunities generative AI presents.This series is offering:

      • Weekly GenAI Support Clinics: One-hour drop-in clinics on teaching and learning topics to do with the use of tools such as ChatGPT, Stability AI, Google Bard and others, every Wednesday.
      • Integrating GenAI in Education at UBC 30+30 Workshops: 30-minute interactive presentations followed by 30-minutes of discussion designed to assist faculty and staff in navigating this new landscape.
      • AI in Teaching and Learning website: A hub for ongoing support and up-to-date tools and resources for leveraging Generative AI for teaching and learning.
    • View all sessions and register HERE

  • GenAI in Teaching and Learning Symposium
    | February 3 | 9:00 am–4:00 pm | Online

    • Explore the impact of Generative AI on teaching and learning at UBC through a full-day symposium of critical discussions and collaborative learning. Connect with faculty, instructors, and educational leaders to share insights and navigate the opportunities and challenges GenAI presents in our academic environment.

  • AI and cybersecurity courses from UBC Extended Learning

    UBC Extended Learning just launched many new AI and cybersecurity offerings that ladder into UBC Senate-approved micro-certificate and certificate programs. Tuition waivers and employee group PD funds can be used toward course fees.

    Upcoming AI and Cloud courses

    • AI and Cloud Strategy: Technology Implementation – starts Jan 14
    • AI Strategy: Leveraging Automation – starts Jan 28
    • AI Strategy: Interactive Experiences – starts Mar 4
    • AI Strategy: Staying Competitive with AI – starts Apr 15

QUESTIONS?

UBCO IT Engagement Services offers a single point of contact for departments and faculties at the Okanagan campus to access the information technology support and services they need to enable exceptional learning and research. 

Learn more about our team HERE or send us an email or submit a ticket via the UBC Self-Service Portal.